Quoting: Chief_Kief
Money wise its about the same, they get some veteran presence on the blue line + a 3rd and a 22yo potential 3C for nothing but cap space on a team that wont be contending for awhile
Kesler's contract is insured to like 90%. Boychuk is still owed $5.25 mil. $1.35 mil vs. $5.25 mil isn't in the same ballpark.
As for the prospect/pick, Anaheim has a ton of young guys, and are pretty deep at C with them (Steel, Terry-unless he plays wing, Lundestrom, Zegras, Olivier-Groulx, heck, even Comtois has been playing at C). Lots of young guys will be looking for icetime over the next couple of years. Not sure where Koivula would even fit.
If this is the best return they can get for taking the Boychuk dump, why waste the cap space? The teams biggest issue was on D. Why not just go out and sign a DeMelo or Brodie-type guy (There's plenty available). They've got their franchise goalie, and plenty of young assets up front that will hopefully take the next step next year. The Ducks are in a good spot to either upgrade, or take a good return if they're eating a contract. This ain't it.